[zmil]

Hi Expat

I found a site for you with a points/turnout controller
I have seen this in operation
It works with 8 points per unit and remembers the position of your switches ,powers your direction indicator LEDs
Sidetracked Electronics Turnout Controller

The system uses single pole double throw switches the only thing is if you want to control your points with DCC control there is no provision for that and it would conflict with the microprocessor in this unit .When first powered up it switches through all the points wired to it (as a test ) and then switches them to the positions indicated by the micro switches on your control panel

Hope you find this interesting
Regards Zmil

 

[zmil]

Hi All
I'll have to look at the master switch now!
There are so many good products out there
I used the good old Fleischmann push buttons on our last layout but I've sold most off those now.
Still I can plan for a while longer yet , But my plans are getting smaller!
Regards Zmil

 

[zmil]

Hi All
You know me by now

If there is an expensive way to do something I will find it!
Not that I have any spare $$

I have seen in various adverts for DCC block detection units , used for triggering other operations
these have a wire from the track circuit (in the block) which is coiled through a circular ferrite? or some permanent magnet (I think)
So the DCC signal is not interfered with and there is no electrical connection between the track and the detection circuit.
this could also be used to run LED indicators on your panel , to show if the track is occupied or for signals on the layout etc
From what I understand it works by detecting current draw on the DCC block ie. a Loco or coach lighting.

There are other stationary decoders for points which will "report back" the point direction to the DCC system (for route control) but I think these systems need software and a computer hooked up to see it on a diagram

Just a thought

Regards Zmil